The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove

The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove is a gem of a boutique hotel set in one of Miami’s most interesting dining and shopping districts. We visited in January and checked out its lovely, intimately sized spa, set discreetly below the lobby.

The spa may be petit (just 6,000 square feet) but houses separate men’s and women’s lounges, saunas and steam rooms and six treatment rooms.

If you go, try the time-saving Tandem Treatment, which, for 50 minutes, employs two therapists who work together to serve up a signature facial and pedicure that includes a foot and leg massage, as well as a shoulder, neck, arm and scalp massage. Be sure to request appointments at least six hours prior to each service.

Spa Director Laura Kain ([email protected]; 305-644-4684) can recommend the top therapist, including Danilo Toledo, who is most requested for the Signature or Hot Stone Massage.

The size of the spa makes it ideal for buyouts for a wedding party or other group event. Have a bride considering a wedding in South Florida? Contact Jeysa Plana ([email protected]; 786-470-1202), who can detail the nuptial venues on site.

After the pampering, clients will want to retire to the top dig in the house, The Ritz-Carlton Suite (a.k.a. the Presidential Suite). It has two bedrooms, private balconies, a living and dining room, an office, private butler service and great views of Biscayne Bay and Coconut Grove.

We found our Executive Suite to be a fine place to crash for several days (request No. 529, 629, 729 or 829 for the top vistas), courtesy of its large living and dining area. Note: The hotel was modeled after the nearby Villa Vizcaya (the posh former estate of magnate John Deering), so rooms and public spaces have an elegant and regal ambiance. If clients must book a standard guest room, they’ll take heart in knowing that a private balcony awaits. Contact Travel Industry Sales Manager Jaclyn Garcia ([email protected]; 786-470-1207) if you have specific questions. The hotel is run by Jacqueline Volkart, who can be reached via her executive assistant, Zeldar Theophilus ([email protected]; 786-470-1111).

Note: If you have a client sailing in or out of the Miami cruise port, a 15-minute drive away, the hotel has a Sail Away package that covers accommodations, breakfast for two and transportation to or from the port.

Those arriving via private chopper or jet can land at Kendall-Tamiami Executive General Airport; contact Airport Manager Michael J. Handrahan ([email protected]) for details. Another option is Opa-Locka Executive Airport; contact Chris McArthur ([email protected]).